Inner Ear Sensory Patch (IMAGE) University of Washington Caption Pictured is a normal sensory patch from one of the balance organs in a mouse inner ear. Right beside it is an additional patch of sensory tissue that has been induced by activation of the Notch pathway -- a particular type of cell-to-cell signaling -- during development. This patch contains both the sensory nerve cells known as hair cells (red) and their associated supporting cells (green). Credit B. Hartman,T. Reh, O. Bermingham-McDonogh Usage Restrictions For use only by news media, educational institutions, and museums License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.